Blog
Feb 14 2007
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said he will fight efforts by leading Democrat Senators to give terror suspects expanded access to federal courts. Graham played a leading role last year in the drafting and eventual passage into law of the Military Commissions Act (MCA), which establishes the rules and procedures to try enemy combatant terror suspects before military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Federal judges are allowed to conduct limited reviews of certain legal issues involving enemy combatants, but they would not be able to take over the military decision of determining who is and who is not an enemy combatant. "It's time we put terror suspects on trial before military tribunals for their crimes against the United States," said Graham. "If we begin tinkering with provisions of the MCA, it will slow efforts to bring terrorists to justice. "Some of the masterminds of the 9/11 attack on America are being held at Guantanamo Bay," said Graham. "I'm ready to see them stand trial and suffer the consequences of their actions against the United States. It's time for justice to be served, not delayed." Under legislation, Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007, introduced by Democrat Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), enemy combatant terror suspects would have expanded rights to file habeas corpus petitions in federal court challenging their detention. It would also fundamentally weaken the rules governing military tribunals. "Never in the history of warfare have enemy prisoners been able to bring lawsuits about their detention," said Graham. "Thousands of Germans and Japanese soldiers were captured and held by the military during World War II. Not one case was allowed in federal court where they were allowed to sue for their release. Our rules for the War on Terror should be no different. "I will vigorously oppose any effort to allow federal judges to determine enemy combatant status," said Graham. "This decision belongs with the military. Judges are not trained to determine who presents a threat to our nation. That is why Congress has only provided for a limited procedural review of combatant status determination. "Before the MCA was signed into law, enemy combatants were filing frivolous suits requesting better mail delivery, more exercise, judge-supervised interrogation, Internet access, the right to view DVDs and alleging medical malpractice," said Graham. "We also made it clear in the MCA terror suspects could not sue American troops for doing their job. "The MCA protects our troops and national security while living up to our international commitments and obligations," concluded Graham. #####Feb 13 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As a new record annual trade deficit was announced Tuesday, three U.S. Senators said they are introducing legislation to rescind Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status granted to China in 2000. The three federal lawmakers are U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). In 2001, Congress granted China Permanent Normal Trade Relations status. Prior to enacting this law, China was subject to an annual review of their Most Favored Nation trade status. This allowed for the U.S. to ensure that China complied with its international commitments. The legislation introduced today would revoke China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations status and return to a system where the U.S. government would annually review whether or not to grant China Most Favored Nation status. The change would give the U.S. leverage in convincing China to trade fairly. "Since 2001, the first year China operated with PNTR status, our trade deficit with China ballooned from $83 billion a year to well over $232.5 billion in 2006," Senator Byron Dorgan said. "It's not difficult to see why. China has engaged in systematic labor abuses, intellectual property theft and piracy, currency manipulation and unfair barriers against U.S. exports. If PNTR status means a country is playing by the rules in international trade, it is absurd to continue to apply that status to China. Congress can - and must - send a clear message that China needs to stop cheating and start trading fairly. Rescinding its PNTR status sends that message." "The Chinese continue to manipulate their currency to give themselves an unfair advantage over American manufacturers," said Senator Lindsey Graham. "Revoking China's PNTR status is a necessary step given their reluctance to embrace the principles of free and fair trade. It's time to replace our current open-ended commitment to China with a system that provides an annual review and allows for decisions to be based on actual Chinese performance. Without the ability to annually review Chinese trade practices, it will continue to be difficult to persuade China to make the necessary changes to provide a level playing field for American manufacturers." "U.S. trade policy has failed workers and small businesses across our country," Senator Sherrod Brown said. "As far as I am concerned, there is nothing normal about allowing our trading partners to use slave labor to compete with our workers. There is nothing normal about manipulating currency to make exports cheaper. There is nothing normal about mouthing concern for intellectual property in the midst of rampant piracy. And if this is indeed normal, then I certainly don't want it to be permanent." ####Feb 13 2007
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the passing of Congressman Charlie Norwood. "Now is the time to celebrate a life well-lived and to keep his family in our prayers. "The State of Georgia today lost one of her favorite sons. "Charlie was a dear friend and I have never met anyone in politics with more passion about what they believe. He was a great representative for the people of the 10th District of Georgia. In his years of service, he made a difference in the Congress. His leadership, wisdom, and wit will be sorely missed." ####Feb 07 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
Feb 01 2007
Graham made the following statement:
“These could be the most consequential nonbinding resolutions in the history of the Senate. I believe General Petraeus’s new strategy of sending more troops and economic aid, and improving the political climate in
“A nonbinding resolution stating that the war is lost is the worst of all worlds. It is a vote of no confidence in General Petraeus, will empower our enemies, and be demoralizing to our own troops. If you don’t have the political courage to keep our troops at home, then cheer them on. If the United States Senate passes a resolution that is essentially a vote of no confidence in General Petraeus, we will wake up the next morning to headlines in the Middle East that say, ‘Congress Disapproves of War, Baghdad is Lost.’
“This new strategy is our best chance for victory. It makes up for past mistakes, allows breathing room for the Iraqis to begin political reconciliation, provides economic aid to counter high unemployment, and provides enough troops to clear, hold, and build.
“If we lose in
“We’re in a global struggle between extremists and moderates and we can not afford to lose. The
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Feb 01 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of
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The grants were awarded for Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs. Fire departments may use these funds for training, wellness, and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The grants awarded include:
Teal’s Mill Rural Volunteer Fire Department will receive $10,260.
Palmetto Rural Fire Department will receive $64,599.
Dillon
Floyd Dale Rescue and Fire Department will receive $55,908.
Edgefield
Westside Volunteer Fire Department will receive $34,200.
Heath Springs
Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department will receive $39,900.
Landrum
Landrum Fire Department will receive $130,245.
City of
Richburg
Richburg Fire Department will receive $32,490.
Taylors Fire Department will receive $138,824.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.
Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year.
The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Jan 25 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of
“
The grants were awarded for Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs. Fire departments may use these funds for training, wellness, and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The grants awarded include:
South Greenville Fire Department will receive $78,849.
Rock Hill Fire Department will receive $116,313.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.
Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year.
The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Jan 24 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) continued his push for energy independence and innovation by reintroducing legislation in the U.S. Senate yesterday creating the H-Prize. The H-Prize is meant to help overcome the technical challenges related to using hydrogen as a widely available and abundant fuel source by offering cash incentives. Graham introduced similar legislation in the last Congress. “As a nation, we need to become less dependent on foreign oil,” said Graham. “Last night, President Bush called on the nation to reduce gasoline usage by twenty percent over the next ten years. I completely support his call for energy independence, and the H-Prize can help lead the move away from fossil fuels and toward alternative sources of energy such as hydrogen.” Graham serves as the co-chair of the Senate Hydrogen Caucus, along with Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota). Dorgan has signed on as the lead Democratic sponsor of the H-Prize legislation in the Senate. The bill was introduced in the House of Representative by Congressmen Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina) and Daniel Lipinski (D-Illinois). Graham noted South Carolina is a national leader in hydrogen research. The University of South Carolina is developing hydrogen fuel cells, Clemson is working on hydrogen vehicles, Aiken County has established a Hydrogen Research Center, and the Savannah River Site is a leading research facility in hydrogen storage and technology. These groups and others recently united behind the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association which coordinates the state’s efforts to be a leading player in the emerging hydrogen economy. The H-Prize is modeled on the Ansari X Prize which spurred the first privately funded suborbital human spaceflight. Awards will be offered in the following categories:- Technological Advancement: Four prizes of up to $1 million will be awarded every two years for outstanding achievements in the Production, Storage, Distribution, and Utilization of hydrogen.
- Prototypes: One prize of up to $4 million will be awarded every two years for working hydrogen vehicle prototypes that meets performance goals.
- Transformational Technology: Over the next ten years, a single $10 million prize funded by the federal government or private donations for breakthrough hydrogen technologies.
